June 23 - 24, 2007 Dan Sai District, Loei District and Province.

A HAPPY GATHERING OF FUN-LOVING SPIRITS

The Phi Ta Khon festival is unique to the Dan Sai district in Loei Province and reflects the local Isan belief in ghosts and spirits. Held once a year, it is part of a grand merit-making festival known as the "Boon Luang" festival. The origins of the Phi Ta Khon Festival can be found in the tale of Lord Buddha's last great incarnation before attaining Enlightenment. In Buddhist accounts, it is said that when Prince Vessandara, the Buddha's penultimate incarnation, returned to his city, it was such a joyous occasion that the village spirits came forth to join the welcoming parade. This very colourful and vibrant Phi Ta Khon procession is the central focus of the celebrations.

In a lively re-enactment of the tale, the young men of the community dress up 
as "spirits" wearing long trailing costumes made from colourful strips of cloth 
sewn together. The hideous-looking Phi Ta Khon mask which is made of dried sticky rice husk is painted in bright red, green or other colours, and features the characteristic long pointed nose. This completes the transformation. The clanging sound of the square cowbells worn around the waist announces the presence of the spirits who wield phallic-shaped long-handled swords decorated with red paint. The good-natured, fun-loving spirits mingle among the crowd, teasing and amusing all who take part in the procession. Spectators and visitors are welcome to join in the fun.

There are two types of "spirits" featured in the Phi Ta Khon procession namely the "Phi Ta Khon Yai" -- the supreme Phi Ta Khon, and the "Phi Ta Khon Lek", the ones that are commonly found. The making of the Phi Ta Khon Yai involves the performance of a sacred ritual to seek the blessings of the supreme powers before work on the Phi Ta Khon Yai masks can be initiated. It is also a task reserved exclusively for the descendants of families in which the tradition of making Phi Ta Khon masks has been practised for several generations. The Phi Ta Khon Yai is made of bamboo and is dressed in either male or female attire.

Contact information:

LOEI TOURISM CO-ORDINATOR CENTER
Tel: +66 (0) 4281 2812, (0) 4281 1405
Fax: +66 (0) 4281 1480

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While spas and meditation are designed to help prevent health problems, a huge business is being generated amongst those who already nave problems, and need treatment. Many Thai hospitals and medical centers, which have recently been listed on The Stock Exchange of Thailand to raise funds for investment in equipment and construction, see a formidable revenue stream in attracting clients for medical check-ups.

At present, the cost of getting a medical check-up in Thailand is a fraction of what it costs in more developed countries. Language problems notwithstanding, a number of major Thai hospitals have learned the ropes of the travel business and are marketing themselves to also regular participants at international trade shows, like ITB in Berlin and the Arabian Travel Mart.

At Thailand 's more than 400 private hospitals, standards are high and costs are extremely competitive. Little surprise then that large numbers of visitors decide to undergo surgery in the Kingdom as part of their stay.

Whether you are after plastic surgery, lasik eye treatment or major heart surgery, you can rely on round the-clock, quality service in Bangkok and the min provincial cities and tourist centers, Seeking care on holiday is a trouble-free experience.

Doctors and specialists can swiftly obtain patient records by satellite. Hospitals employ staff fluent in English and who have overseas training. Demand for their services from he middle East has also led to the hiring of Arabic-speaking personnel.

Some of Thailand’s best hospitals that cater for overseas patients are listed here.

• Bangkok International Hospital


• BNH Hospital


• Bumrungrad Hospital


• Samitivej Hospital

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The Full Moon is far more than a party; it is Had Rin's dance music festival, with everything from drum and bass to full-on psy-trance. Paradise Bungalows, the site of the original Full Moon Party, consistently puts on the biggest show with inspired decor and a combination of superb resident and guest international DJs. Worth looking out for is DJ A, who also holds residency at the Backyard, possibly the most famous after party venue in the world, starting at 11am as Had Rin's beach shuts shop, licks its wounds and counts the casualties. The Backyard also puts on three cracking nights per week, each catering for the full spectrum of dance music heads in a totally refurbished, two floor club with mind bending fluoro sculptures.

The Drop In plays a more commercial set with a few classics thrown in, and still pulls in big crowds from when it launched way back in 1989, as does the Cactus with a similar policy. The Vinyl Club pumps out hard techno and psy-trance, also putting on pre Full Moon Party parties in Ban Tai, with an Israeli DJ massive keeping it banging.

The Big Boom Bar is a daytime favourite, especially with their volley ball contest a few days before the Full Moon Party. Their commitment to leaning away from trance, by playing progressive to hard house with a fair few anthems thrown in means that resident DJs Simon (UK) and locals Tony and Dai have the beach going ballistic every Full Moon Party.

If you want to rinse it out true DnB stylee, the Orchid headed by resident DJ Kay puts a smile on many a trance-tired face. For a real refuge, head out to the Outback Bar to enjoy superb Thai and European tucker, pool and live sports in a bar that looks as good as the paintings it sells!

What is going on?

Don't waste your time on the Fullmoon Party if you don't like to meet people from all over the world. There are thousands of happy guys and gals dancing to pumping beats on a "paradise" beach in the moonlight. Or sit in the sand at small tables with some friends and cheer a "Thai whiskey set" with local spririts like Meakong or Sang Som If you prefer beer, try a cold Thai beer such as Singha, Beer Chang, Kloster etc. There are often other beer brands such as Heineken, Tiger, Corona etc. available on many of the bars and restaurants and of course a number of non-alcoholic alternatives like fruit juices, fruit shakes and soft drinks. If you are into dancing, do not forget to drink enough water so you won't end up dehydrated. Delicious Thai traditional food as well as pasta, pizza, burgers, salads, soups etc. is found in the restaurants and at food stalls. Prices are often very reasonable. ATM machines, accepting most credit cards and debit cards as VISA, Mastercard (Maestro/Cirrus) etc. are available close to the beach. Also a few money exchange officies (mini banks) are found here, so if you use a card, you do not have to bring a lot of cash to the party. >

Approximated dates

• June, 29 2007


• July,31   2007


• Aug,28   2007


• Sept,26  2007


• Oct,26   2007


• Nov,24   2007

Labels: Full moon Party

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Bird watching is a popular activity of studying nature. visitors can not only enjoy watching beautiful birds, getting fresh air, and doing some exercises which maintain that person to be healthy, but also recognize and understand the relationship between bird and environment in which can lead visitors to be aware of its value, and to take heed in preserving both bird and environment.

When and where to go watch bird

In varied nature of Thailand, each place has different types of bird. Therefore, visitors traveling to different part of Thailand will find different types of bird as well, and, sometimes, new type of bird especially in migrating season. visitors should select the place for bird watching to suit that season, such as, to go watch bird in high mountain when the birds are migrating in winter in Doi Inthanon National Park and Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, or to go watch bird when the birds are migrating in mangrove area in Sam Roi Yot National Park, for examples. And in the rains, visitors should go to local forest for bird watching, such as, in Khao Yai National Park, Kang Khachan National Park, Khao Luang National Park, and Thale Ban National Park for examples.

Bird Watching Equipment

Bird watching is an easy activity. visitors have only some equipment can go to enjoy watching birds in the nature. The main bird watching equipments are.

• Binocular is necessary equipment for watching bird in long distance clearly.


• Bird Watching Manual is a book providing illustration and information of each bird in which bird watcher can sort out the type of bird found correctly.


• Record Book is a book for collecting details of bird found for studying later.

Preparing

Well preparing will enable visitors to find birds easily. When going out to find birds, visitors should dress in outfit harmonious with nature, not easily observed by birds, and in which visitors can get closer to that bird, such as in brown, gray or brown color outfit. The outfit should be long-sleeves shirt, full-length trouser for protecting visitors from sunlight and prickle. Shoes should be comfort shoes with socks to prevent graze during walking. Moreover, if going bird watching on High Mountain, visitors should bring woolen coat in winter and raincoat in the rains.

Bird Watching Time

Bird watcher should start bird watching in early morning, which birds also start to find something to eat. This time, birds are very active, hardly ever hiding, so visitors can easily find them. When the temperature is hotter, the birds will go to rest in the trees in which visitors hardly find them. Until late afternoon, the birds will go out to find something to eat again. That is a suitable time for bird watching.

How to watch bird

Bird watchers should go in small groups, better about 2-3 persons, that will enable them to easier find birds than in a big group. When finding birds, bird watchers should take particular quiet, not make noise, avoid standing obviously, and watch the birds from hiding places such as behind a tree for example.

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Just look for this sign at participating outlets to get a 10-70% discount and get a chance to win 10 tour packages during June 1 - August 31, 2007.

The fair is organised by the N.C.C. Exhibition Organiser Company Limited, sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The event will take place during 21 - 24 June, 2007, at 10.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m., at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

      In the event, there will be a variety of quality products, services, and tourist attractions with 10-50% off, categorised into zones as follows:






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